Re-using Industrial Sites

Finding an alternative use for functionally redundant industrial sites presents one of the best opportunities of securing their long-term future.

What is a suitable solution depends on many factors - the nature of the site, its location (including infrastructure, the wider built environment, population and other socio-economic factors), and an assessment of the costs and risks associated with the development.

The Wills Building in Newcastle was a former tobacco factory and has been converted to residential use

Recent Historic England research has identified the following successful solutions:

Space for small business (especially creative businesses)

The Custard Factory in Birmingham houses over 100 businesses, the majority creative enterprises. They were attracted by its city centre location, co-location of similar businesses and attractive rents.

"People are attracted because it is a creative environment and would like to be part of a community that has a sense of identity." Bennie Grey, Developer and Operator of the Custard Factory.

The Paintworks in Bristol was developed by Verve Properties. The area was designated by the Council as a protected employment site and a solution was developed which used the existing Victorian buildings to provide office and workshop space.

"The shape of the building provided the character, although the purchase of the building was for a bare shell, which we fitted out internally. As it was very open there was lots of scope to tailor the interior to our liking in a contemporary way" (Business Occupier).

Hotel space

Nadler Hotel is located in a former engineering works in the Ropewalks area of Liverpool. It was chosen because of its location, in the middle of an area earmarked for regeneration. It opened in June 2010 as Base2stay. Nadler Hotel is currently the number two rated hotel on Trip Advisor in Liverpool (16 October 2015).

Richmond Station in North Yorkshire has been successfully converted into a restaurant, cinema and manufacturing units by the Richmond Building Preservation Trust

Residential use

The Wills Building in Newcastle was a former tobacco factory converted to residential use. Derelict at the time of purchase, its 10 minute location from Newcastle city centre meant there was scope to turn it into residential use.

"Historic buildings converted get a very good response from purchasers but there is a cost that goes with this" (Developer, Taylor Wimpey).

As a centre piece in a larger new-build development

Farnborough IQ is a business park in Hampshire, built on ex Ministry of Defence land and developed by SEGRO. The historic buildings on the site contain a number of occupiers including the site restaurant and small knowledge based industries, with a grade I listed airship hanger acting as a landmark gateway to the site. However, three historic wind tunnels remain empty.

This former Victorian paint factory in Bristol was redeveloped to provide workspace for companies in creative industries and also residential accommodation

Building Preservation Trusts

Building Preservation Trusts have successfully taken on a number of industrial heritage buildings including Richmond Station (restaurant, cinema and manufacturing units) and Dewar's Granary Berwick (Youth Hostel and Gallery).

They often tackle buildings where there is no commercial solution and are able to apply for grants which are not necessarily open to commercial partners. However the lessons from the case studies show that to be a success, there must be a viable end commercial user.

Re-using historic industrial buildings is not without problems. They are often in areas where economic conditions are not favourable and their physical form which sometimes includes important fixtures, fittings and internal spaces can make them difficult to adapt to new uses.

The following key lessons can be taken from the case studies:

Many of the schemes were led by determined individuals with vision

Mixed use developments are relatively successful

Industrial buildings are suitable for small businesses especially creative industries

The adoption of a minimalist approach often respects the original structure and helps to retain its industrial character

Phasing and taking a long view can be important. Some developments take many years to complete

A change in the wider area may be necessary before a site becomes commercially viable

A clustering of activities can build up a critical mass which may involve development over a long period of time

The presence of public sector funding can help to kick start a solution

Additional information on the research project can be found in the report at the bottom of this page. This summary report forms part of a wider research project that considers how developers can be encouraged to invest in historic buildings. It includes a detailed assessment of 14 industrial case studies based on interviews with developers and occupiers.